Tensions are growing between Yarmouth firefighters and their employer, the town.
The union local was informed that the town was laying off four full-time dispatchers to seek a better price through an RFP.
The Town of Yarmouth says it pays $260,000 a year for dispatcher salaries, benefits and overtime.
Lynn Seeley, president of Local 2094 of the International Association of Firefighters, says the four men still have to perform their duties with this hanging over their heads.
“There has been no timeline asked at the table, they have no plan in effect. Here we are today.”
The letter from the town advising of the layoffs was dated April 30.
Seeley says they’re waiting for legal advice from the union on what the next steps are.
He says the issue is far from over.
Seeley doesn’t rule out some form of job action.
Any action would not include a strike as their contract contains a no strike, no lockout clause.
He says they’d never strike even if they could, because no dispatcher or firefighter would ever put lives at risk.
